Texas A&M University-San Antonio has once again been recognized by the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), earning the prestigious Sportsmanship Award for the third consecutive year.
The annual award honors the institution that demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship across its athletic programs throughout the academic year. Criteria include teamwork, fair play, respect for the game and conduct in competition, with sportsmanship evident across multiple sports, both on and off the field. The honor is voted on by RRAC athletic directors, who are not permitted to vote for their own institutions.
For A&M-San Antonio — the youngest athletics program in the RRAC, having launched during the 2020-21 academic year — the recognition reflects the culture established by Jaguar Athletics in just a few short years.
“At Texas A&M-San Antonio, we believe how we show up matters just as much as the final score,” said Dr. Darnell Smith, director of athletics. “We strive to always pursue the right way to play, with integrity, respect, and a servant heart. Winning this award once is meaningful, but earning it three consecutive years speaks volumes about who we are collectively as a department and University.”
The award recognizes the collective efforts of coaches, staff, student-athletes, student workers and volunteers who contribute to Jaguar Athletics and its mission of Building Champions.
“This recognition reflects the respect and admiration of our conference peers,” Smith said. “Our commitment to treating others the right way and serving with excellence did not go unnoticed. So much of what we have accomplished is because of the teamwork and dedication of the entire Jaguar family.”
The latest honor follows A&M-San Antonio’s first Sportsmanship Award in 2023-24, the same year Smith was named RRAC Athletic Director of the Year, and a second recognition in 2024-25.
The award comes on the heels of a landmark 2025-26 season as Jaguar Athletics reached new competitive heights across multiple programs.
The women’s basketball team delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history under Head Coach Chris Minner. The Jaguars secured a second-place RRAC finish and earned an automatic spot in the NAIA National Tournament — the program’s first national appearance. A&M-San Antonio defeated Corban University in the tournament opening round, while Minner also captured his 500th career coaching victory during the season.
The men’s basketball team also reached a historic milestone under Head Coach Chris Dial, earning its first-ever berth in the RRAC Tournament and advancing to postseason play against LSU Shreveport.
Jaguar softball celebrated a historic year both on and off the field. In February 2026, the program officially opened its new on-campus softball stadium with a doubleheader sweep over Oklahoma Panhandle State, marking the first victories ever recorded at the new facility. The University broke ground on the venue in early 2025, adding a press box, dugouts, and seating for 300 spectators as part of a broader athletics complex expansion that includes an eight-lane competition track and multipurpose field.
The softball team capped its season with a strong showing in the RRAC Tournament, competing in three one-run conference championship games. Coach Nicole Dame also celebrated her 200th career win during the season.
The men’s soccer program also enjoyed a stellar season. The Jaguars finished 11-4-2 overall, and advanced to the RRAC Tournament semifinals after earning the program’s first-ever postseason quarterfinal victory.
Senior forward Ronald Aguilar became the first two-time NAIA All-American in program history. Aguilar and four additional Jaguars earned RRAC All-Conference honors during the breakthrough campaign.
The University also continued to see success in men’s golf, where Jacob Pena was named RRAC Golfer of the Year, further building on the momentum.
As Jaguar Athletics continues its rapid rise in competition and visibility, University leaders say the RRAC Sportsmanship Award remains one of the department’s proudest achievements because it reflects the values that define the program.
“Championships and milestones matter, but the way our student-athletes represent this University every day is what truly sets us apart,” Smith said. “This award is a reflection of a culture our entire department has worked hard to build — one rooted in excellence, accountability and respect.”